Hitch assembly system with one or more integrated hitch assemblies

ABSTRACT

A hitch assembly system may comprise a pair of fixed actuator support brackets mounted to a vehicle frame and a pair of modular actuator connection brackets. Each modular actuator connection bracket of the pair of modular actuator connection brackets may be connected to a corresponding fixed actuator support bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets. The system may further comprise a pair of lower links, in which each lower link of the pair of lower links is pivotally connected to the corresponding fixed actuator support bracket. A pair of electric linear actuators may be included in the system, in which each electric liner actuator of the pair of electric linear actuators is pivotally connected to a corresponding bracket end of a corresponding modular actuator connection bracket and a corresponding lower link. Each lower link may be moved by extension or retraction of a corresponding connected electric linear actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.17/151,056 entitled “Agricultural Vehicle with Bidirectional ForceExerting Electric Three-Point Hitch Assemblies” filed Jan. 15, 2021,which claims priority to U.S. Pat. No. 10,893,642, “Agricultural Vehiclewith Bidirectional Force Exerting Electric Three-Point HitchAssemblies”, issued on Jan. 19, 2021, and U.S. Pat. No. 10,893,642claims priority to the following six US provisional patent applications:Ser. No. 62/643,389 entitled “All Electric Tractor Three Point HitchLinear Actuator Apparatus”; Ser. No. 62/643,399 entitled “All-ElectricTractor Two Part Chassis Kit That Uses Front and Rear Electric Hitchesas an Assembly Aid”; Ser. No. 62/643,408 entitled “All-Electric TractorThree Point Hitch Exchangeable Batteries”; Ser. No. 62/643,411 entitled“A Front and Mid Three Point Hitch With Shared Upper and Lower LinkConnecting Apparatus”; Ser. No. 62/643,423 entitled “Parallel ActingThree Point Hitch For All-Electric Tractors”; serial number “62643433entitled Three Hitch All-Electric Tractor”; all of which were filed onMar. 15, 2018, the disclosures of each being included herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of agricultural vehicles includingtractors and pertains particularly to methods and mechanical apparatusfor increasing hitch operation capabilities, including increasing workspace for implements, increasing run time efficiency, and reducing oreliminating toxic exhaust fumes and or potential for fluid leak from thevehicle.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

In the agricultural field, much innovation has occurred with respect tomethods and apparatus relative to farm vehicles and their abilities tocultivate, till, harvest, and otherwise perform crop and ground workassociated with agriculture and in some cases, work associated withgeneral landscaping and ground construction. At the time of thiswriting, conventional farm tractors continue to be gas or dieselconsuming vehicles having a rear-mounted three-point hitch that mayaccept the typical farm tool implements such as tillers, scrapers, andthe like.

Conventional three-point hitches may be mechanically-operated hitcheshaving a pair of lower links and a top link that may be used to connectto a farm tool implement. A conventional three-point hitch forcommercial agriculture may be used by a tractor operator to lift farmtool implements off of the ground using a hand or foot lever, or ifequipped, a hydraulically-operated lift cylinder to enable push-buttonoperation of lifting and lowering the attached farm tool implements.Lowering an implement to ground relies on the weight of the farm toolimplement to keep it in contact with the ground being worked.

Other prior-art limitations are apparent in conventional three-pointhitch architectures such as the requirement for repetitive adjustmentsto the length of one or more hitch links in order to keep a farm toolimplement level on ground and off ground or at a desired angle ofoperation with respect to the ground. Still other inefficiencies areapparent in conventional tractors relative to multitasking or the use ofmore than one farm tool implement simultaneously.

While some farm vehicles used commercially may be specially designed toperform more than one function simultaneously such as a combineharvester, for example a grain harvester, the general footprint of aconventional farm tractor does not support more than a front and or arear three-point hitch because of space required by the gasoline ordiesel tractor engine limiting operator access to additional work areabeneath the tractor frame.

There is a general desire to introduce a tractor that does not rely somuch or at all on fossil fuels and hydraulic pump and hose units toprovide powered hitch operation. Electric conversion kits are availablefor some light-duty tractors, however commercial applications mayrequire more power to be successful in a commercial farming environmentthan a conventional battery source might provide where longer run timeis expected and frequent charging of depleted batteries may not bedesired.

Therefore, what is clearly needed is an agricultural vehicle, forexample, a farm tractor adapted to reduce or eliminate dependence onfossil fuels and hydraulic systems and that can enable continuedoperation of at least two all-electric bidirectional force exertingthree-point hitches connected to farm tool implements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, theinventor provides an agricultural vehicle in the form of an all-electrictractor having an electric dive motor mounted on one of two or moretractor frame sections, the electric motor adapted to power a drivetrain to drive the tractor. The tractor includes at least onerechargeable electric power source mounted to or otherwise carried bythe tractor or mounted on a frame section of the tractor, the electricpower source having a wire connection to the electric drive motor forsupplying power to the motor to drive the tractor via the tractor drivetrain.

The tractor has at least one mounted electric powered three-point hitchassembly having two elongate lower link bars and an elongate top linkbar mounted for use to one of the two or more frame sections of thetractor, the at least one three-point hitch assembly having mechanicalcouplings at the end points of the link bars to connect to a farm toolimplement. The tractor hitch assembly includes at least one electricallyoperated linear actuator capable of exerting bidirectional traveldefined by extension and retraction capability along a linear track.

The at least one linear actuator is pivotally connected at one end to atleast one of the lower link bars and is pivotally connected at theopposite end to a modular bracket pinned to a fixed bracket welded to orotherwise fixed to the frame, the linear actuator having a gear set todrive a screw and an electric motor connected by wiring to the at leastone rechargeable power source and to an electric control box or panelhaving one or more controls operable by a user seated in a cab sectionof the tractor to raise and lower the three-point hitch assembly and anyattached farm tool implement.

In one embodiment of the invention, a three-point hitch is provided andincludes a pair of lower link bars pivotally connected at a same end toa first pair of fixed actuator brackets, the brackets oriented in a samedirection and spaced apart and welded to or otherwise fixed to a frameelement of a host vehicle, which may be a tractor vehicle. Thethree-point hitch includes a top link bar disposed centrally between thelower link bars, the top link bar pivotally connected at one end to asingle fixed top link receiving bracket, the top link receiving bracketwelded to or otherwise fixed to the frame element of the host vehicle atan elevated position on the frame element above and substantially inbetween the pair of fixed actuator brackets.

At least one modular actuator bracket is provided to the hitch forconnection to a linear actuator and includes a pin connection interfacefor pinning to a like interface provided on at least one of the fixedactuator brackets. The at least one modular actuator bracket is pinnedat the opposite end from the fixed actuator bracket to an electricallyoperated linear actuator capable of exerting bidirectional traveldefined by extension and retraction capability along a linear track. Theat least one linear actuator is pivotally connected at the opposite endfrom the modular actuator bracket to one of the lower link bars of thehitch architecture, or to a cross bar connecting the pair of lower linkbars in the architecture, the linear actuator includes a gear set todrive a turn screw and an electric motor connected by wiring to the atleast one rechargeable power source and to an electric control box orpanel having one or more controls operable by a user seated in a cabsection of the host vehicle to raise and lower the three-point hitchassembly. The three-point hitch assembly includes mechanical couplingmeans such as pinning hardware at the end points of the link bars toenable connection to and electric operation of any farm tool implement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left-side view of a tractor with at least one electricallypowered three-point hitch according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a right-side view of a linear actuator powered hitch assemblydepicted in a fully retracted position with the top link removed.

FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the linear actuator operated hitchassembly of FIG. 2 in a fully extended position with the top linkremoved.

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the linear actuator operated hitchassembly of FIG. 2 in a fully retracted position with a lower bracketpin removed for enabling a float mode in the hitch assembly.

FIG. 5 is a right-side view of the linear actuator operated hitchassembly of FIG. 4 in float mode over a field obstacle according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front-elevation view of an electrically powered three-pointhitch assembly with the top link depicted according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is an overhead view of an electrically powered three-point hitchassembly with the top link depicted according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a left-side elevation view of a tractor jacked up off ofground utilizing the linear actuator hitch assemblies with lower pininserted at front and at rear of the tractor.

FIG. 9A is a right-side view of a modular actuator connection bracket ofone of the linear actuator hitch assemblies of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9B is an underside view of the modular actuator connection bracketof FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a left-side view of a fixed actuator support bracket for thefront and middle three-point hitch assemblies according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 10B is a rear end view of fixed actuator support bracket 1000 ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is right-side view of a fixed mid-hitch actuator supportbracket of the linear actuator mid-hitch assembly 110 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the fixed mid-hitch actuatorsupport bracket of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a left-side view of a fixed mid-hitch actuator supportbracket modified to include top link receiver openings for the top linkof the front hitch and the mid hitch according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12B is a front-end view of the fixed mid-hitch actuator supportbracket of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is a left-side elevation view of a linear actuator rear-hitchassembly with a leveling top link for maintaining a state of level withrespect to a connected tooled agricultural work implement according toan embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor provides an agricultural vehicle in the form of a farmtractor that reduces or eliminates reliance on fossil fuel such asdiesel fuel for power and reduces or eliminates reliance on a hydraulicpump system to power a three-point hitch for lifting and lowering farmtool implements. The present invention is described using the followingexamples, which may describe more than one relevant embodiment fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a commercial gradeagricultural vehicle in the form of a tractor that, at least in oneembodiment, includes a means of storing and utilizing a cleaner powersource than a conventional diesel tractor such as an all-electrictractor having at least one all-electric, bidirectional force exerting,three-point hitch assembly, at least one rechargeable battery forelectric power, and at least one electric motor for driving the vehicle.It is another object of the invention to provide a means for increasingthe available ground work footprint of the tractor by providing at leasttwo all-electric mechanical three-point hitch assemblies adapted toconnect to a variety of farm tool implements and to exert forcebidirectionally in lifting and lowering farm tool implements.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a means and a methodof applying work force to the at least one all-electric three-pointhitches in a bidirectional manner along at least one linear track and ameans and method for overriding the work force applied to the downwarddirection of the at least one linear track. It is a further object ofthe invention to provide a means and method for keeping a farm toolimplement coupled to at least one of the all-electric three-pointhitches level in relationship to the ground regardless of the elevationof lift applied to the implement or implements through the three-pointhitch or hitches. The present invention is described in enabling detailusing the following examples, which may describe more than one relevantembodiment falling within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a left-side view of a tractor 100 with at least oneelectrically powered three-point hitch according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Tractor 100 may be provided, in one embodiment,through a manufacturer as a tractor kit requiring at least some assemblyof loose components by a user. In one embodiment, tractor 100 includes afront tractor frame section 101 and a rear tractor frame section 102wherein the two frame sections may be joined together by a user that mayassemble the tractor from a kit of components.

In this embodiment, front tractor frame 101 and rear tractor frame 102may be fabricated of steel tubing formed and welded at specific pointsand steel plating welded, clamped, or bolted to the frame to form themain chassis of the tractor. Tractor 100 includes a top canopy 103 toprotect the user from the sun and rain, etc. Canopy 103 may be a steelframe with one or more than one platform section mounted thereon tocover at least the seating area or cab space 104 of the tractor.

In a preferred embodiment, tractor 100 is adapted to use an all-electricmotor (not illustrated but assumed present) to propel the drive trainand power take-off (PTO) of the tractor, if equipped. An all-electricmotor of a same power rating than a stock diesel tractor engine may takeas little as a fifth of the space or footprint. The space for a tractorengine is generally afforded just ahead of cab 104 where the operatorsits such as an operator depicted herein as operator 105 seated intractor seat apparatus 106 having a seat back 107. Therefore, an arearemains open just in front of operator 105 that is made available toaccept a mid-hitch assembly to accept certain farm tool implements forworking the area or footprint of ground just ahead of the operator butbehind the front end of tractor 100.

In this embodiment, tractor 100 includes an electrically operated rearthree-point hitch assembly 108 that may include at least one linearball/screw type actuator pivotally coupled to a lower link of theassembly and to an actuator bracket assembly to drive lifting andlowering of a farm tool implement coupled (generally by pinning) to thehitch assembly. In one embodiment, a pair (left and right) of linearactuators are provided and pivotally pinned or otherwise pivotallycoupled to the lower links of the hitch assembly to apply force throughpowering the actuator to travel (extend and retract) to lift and tolower the lower links of rear three-point hitch assembly 108 in turnlifting and lowering an attached farm tool implement.

Rear three-point hitch assembly 108 is depicted herein as coupled to afarm tool implement in the form of a battery box 113 c of a standardrectangular form housing multiple battery cells that may be harnessedcollectively to provide power to the electric drive motor of the tractorand to other components requiring electric power such as the hitchactuators, tractor lighting, and other components or accessories.Battery box 113 c may be manufactured from stainless steel or otherdurable corrosion resistant materials. Rear three-point hitch assembly108 includes the active lower links, and a top link for coupling to acenter vertical mast of a farm tool implement while the lower linkscouple to the bottom sides of the farm tool implement. In thisembodiment, battery box 113 c includes enough cells to power tractor 100for approximately four hours of continuous operation before depletionthereof.

Tractor 100 may include a front three-point hitch assembly 109 coupledto a battery box 113 a containing a second set of battery cells equal toor varying with the number of cells in battery box 113 c depending onpower need. Tractor 100 may include a middle three-point hitch assembly110 that may occupy the space formerly reserved for a diesel (orgasoline/ethanol) tractor engine. A smaller electric motor for drivingthe tractor allows for the possibility of installing a middlethree-point hitch assembly back to back to the front three-point hitchassembly 109. In this example, tractor 100 is depicted having middlethree-point hitch assembly 110 coupled to a third battery box 113 bcontaining a same or like number of battery cells as boxes 113 a and 113c. Moreover, tractor 100 may also include an on-board main or primarybattery (not illustrated) that may, for example, be disposed beneathoperator 105 within a space or compartment reserved for that purposeunder seat apparatus 106.

In actual practice, there may be four or more battery boxes transportedby tractor 100 at one time, three coupled one each to the threeavailable hitch assemblies and one or more within the resident batterybox (not illustrated) assumed herein disposed beneath the seat 106 ofthe user 105. In actual practice, perhaps fewer than three battery boxeslike boxes 113 a-c are transported by hitch or attachable trailer toenable at least one of the three available hitch assemblies to becoupled to a farm tool implement that may be in operation while one ormore other batteries are transported by hitch. For example, rearthree-point hitch assembly 108 may be coupled to a heavy farm toolimplement such as a tilling implement, whereby front three-point hitchassembly 109 and or middle three-point hitch assembly 110 may be coupledto battery boxes to help counterbalance the weight at the rear oftractor 100, and of course to provide extra battery power for longer runtimes.

In different applications, other arrangements may be observed such asrunning a farm tool implement at the rear of the tractor using rearthree-point hitch assembly 108 and simultaneously operating a farm toolimplement at the middle three-point hitch assembly 110, while a spareand fully charged battery box is transported at the front three-pointhitch assembly 109 to help balance tractor load distribution and toprovide the additional power of one battery box of battery cells tolengthen run time. In this view, tractor 100 is transporting all threeavailable battery boxes by hitch elevated to mid-level and no farm toolimplements are connected.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the described three-point hitchassemblies (front, middle, and rear) may be operated by user 105 throughmanipulation of one or more control sticks, buttons, switches, knobs orsliders 112 provided on one or more electric control panels accessibleto the user 106 within cab space 104. A control lever 111 may also beprovided to set tractor gearing to forward travel, stop or idle, andreverse travel. One or more control panels and wiring harnesses may beprovided to afford plug and play connection to fresh battery boxes andto secondary electric motors that operate the actuators controllinglower links of each of the illustrated hitch assemblies. Front and reartractor tires are depicted herein by reference in broken boundary lines.

Electronic components may be installed into cab section 104 of tractor100 such that they are accessible to the operator 105 without theoperator having to exit the cab or move off of seat apparatus 106.Electronic components provided may include but are not limited to amotor and motor controller, at least one converter and an electricpanel, plug and play wiring harnesses, linear actuators, joy sticks,lighting, switches, gauges, and an electric battery management systemfor managing one or more power sources. In the event tractor 100 isprovided in the form of multiple components in a kit that may beassembled as a tractor, front three-point hitch assembly 109 and rearthree-point hitch assembly 108 may be operated simultaneously byoperator 105 manipulating hitch operation controls to lift the assembledtractor frame off of the ground to at least a distance depicted hereinas distance A sufficient to enable the operator to install the tractortires depicted in this view by broken boundary lines.

The available hitch assemblies, rear three-point hitch assembly 108,front three-point hitch assembly 109, and middle three-point hitchassembly 110 may each include a pair of vertically-oriented fixedactuator support brackets that are mounted or welded in positions on thetractor frame so that each fixed actuator support bracket may host amodular actuator connection bracket that may be nested to and pinned to,or otherwise joined with, the fixed bracket in order to support a linearactuator. Each modular actuator connection bracket may in turn be pinnedto the motor and gear end of an all-electric linear actuator. Theall-electric linear actuator is pivotally mounted to a lower link orlower link bar assembly. The lower link bar assembly may be pivotallyconnected at one end to receivers on the vertically oriented fixedactuator support brackets and at the opposite end to receiver bracketson the farm tool implement where a receiver bracket exists for eachlower link of the three-point hitch.

The top links of each of the described hitch assemblies may, in oneembodiment, be length adjustable. A top link may be pivotally connectedat one end to a receiver bracket welded to the tractor frame, the toplink being typically disposed relative to spacing in between the lowerlinks at substantial center of the host hitch assembly. A top link ofone of the described hitch assemblies may be pivotally connected at theopposite end to a vertically oriented center-mast that is part of thefarm implement frame structure. The frame structure typically includes atool bar with a farm implement removably connected to or fixed to thetool bar, and perhaps one or more structural support bar orstabilization bar. Tool bars, farm implements, and stabilization barsare well known to one familiar with the art and are therefore not shownin the illustration.

The three-point hitch assemblies 108-110 of the present invention enablean operator to connect farming tool implements to work the ground orcrop in the front area of the tractor, behind the tractor, and in themiddle area of the tractor just ahead of a seated operator. Each workarea (generally defined by the positioning of the front, rear, andmiddle three-point hitches shown) provides specific advantages relativeto task performance. For example, the front work area covered by frontthree-point hitch assembly 109 is suitable for a mower or a harvesterahead of the front wheels of the tractor 100. The middle work areacovered by the middle three-point hitch assembly 110 is suitable forprecision cultivation tasks because of the unobstructed view of themiddle work area relative to a seated operator. The rear work areacovered by rear three-point hitch assembly 108 is suitable for a tillingimplement, a disc implement, a grating implement, or a harrow implement.

The implementation of an all-electric ball/screw type linear actuator topower the lower links of each hitch assembly allows the operator toexert downward torque or force against the hitch lower links, whichwould not be available to a hydraulically powered cylinder used intractor hitch assemblies. Typical downforce is achieved only by theweight of the farm tool implement. For example, float mode on a standardtractor is always in play due to the fact that no force is exerteddownward on the lower links. A specific mode of operation of theall-electric three-point hitches described above is provided later inthis specification. In a preferred embodiment, the stock tractor lengthand turn angle capabilities are not altered in any way by adding amiddle three-point hitch assembly 110. In a preferred embodiment, thefront and middle hitch assembly components may share features on fixedsupport brackets hosting link receiver openings for both the front andrear hitch assemblies. Fixed support brackets are a pair ofsub-components of the described three-point hitch assemblies 108, 109,and 110 and are described in further detail later in this specification.A unique bracketing arrangement enables more work space with a smallerhardware footprint.

It may be noted herein that middle three-point hitch assembly 110 mayinclude a single linear actuator connected to a lower link bar assemblyconsisting of two lower links connected to receivers on the supportbrackets and a cross bar that may include ball socket ends for attachingto a farm tool implement. The middle hitch assemblies may consist of asingle fixed actuator support bracket welded to frame members in betweenthe front hitch assembly support brackets wherein the linear actuatorhas connection to a modular actuator connection bracket pinned theretoand to the single fixed support bracket and wherein the lower end of theactuator shaft has a pivotal connection to the cross bar (not shown). Inthis embodiment the middle three-point hitch assembly 110 may utilize asingle linear actuator to raise or lower the farm tool implement orbattery box 113 b in this case.

FIG. 2 is a right-side view of a linear actuator powered three-pointhitch assembly 203 depicted in a fully retracted position with the toplink removed. Hitch assembly 203 may be analogous to the three-pointhitch assemblies 108 or 109 of FIG. 1 and may be a rear hitch assemblyor a front hitch assembly without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. More particularity, the front and rear hitchassemblies may be interchangeable while the middle hitch assembly (110,FIG. 1) includes lower links that may be shorter in length to make roomfor farm tool implements used specifically in the middle footprint oftractor 100.

Hitch assembly 203 is a three-dimensional assembly having a pair offixed steel actuator brackets 201 defining, by disposed position, theoverall width and the height dimensioning of the three-dimensionalassembly. Fixed brackets 201 may be steel brackets (or made of similarheavy duty materials) that are positionally interchangeable parts thatmay be welded (preferred), for example, or otherwise fixed to frameelements of tractor 100 using hardware or a combination of welding andhardware mounting. It should be noted herein that each bracket 201includes two bracket plates (right, left) that are spaced apart in widthand held sufficiently parallel in planar relationship using a spacerplate or plates to bridge the bracket plates and to reinforce thestrength of the brackets.

Bracket plates may have a nominal thickness dimension of one quarterinch or less. In this example, each fixed bracket includes a lowerportion or end having at least one pin hole opening 216 aligned andextending through both bracket plates to accept one end of a pair oflower hitch links 207. Hitch links 207 may be steel (or like material)elongated bars having a thickness dimension, a height dimension, and anoverall length dimension. The free ends of lower hitch links 207 hostingpin holes 217 are reserved for pinning to receiver pin holes providedfor connection purposes on a farm tool implement tool bar or basestructure thereof typically at the lower right and lower left sides ofthe farm tool implement. Such farm tool implement tool bars or basestructures are well known in the art of three-point hitches.

The upper portion of fixed actuator support brackets 201 may bepivotally connected, in this case by pins 208 and 209 to a pair ofmodular actuator connection brackets 202. Bracket 202 may be unpinnedand removed from bracket 201. Modular actuator bracket 202 is athree-dimensional bracket similar to fixed actuator support bracket 201,having two bracket plates of nominal thickness of one quarter inch orless aligned and spaced apart in a parallel planar relationship using aspacer bar or bars as described further above for fixed actuator supportbrackets 201. In one embodiment, the width from outside-to-outside ofthe bracket plates of bracket 202 is just narrower than theinside-to-inside width of the fixed bracket 201 to enable bracket 202 tonest within bracket 201 and be pivotally pined thereto using pins,namely upper pin 208 and lower pin 209.

Bracket 202 has a triangular profile that angle down to the free end ofthe bracket, which may be pinned to a motor and gearbox end of a linearactuator 215 by a pin 210. Linear actuator 215 is an all-electricbidirectional actuator capable of exerting work force in both directionsalong the linear track and capable of locking at any point along thelinear track length. Linear actuator 215 includes an electric motor 212connected to a set of gears in a gear box 204 having connection to thelinear track apparatus, in this case a rotable screw that may be turnedclockwise or counter clockwise to effect power extension of an actuatorshaft 206 or power retraction of actuator shaft 206. An actuator trackhousing 205 is provided to protect the screw and other components suchas a threaded ball interface from exposure to the outside elements.

The lower end of shaft 206 has connection by pin, bolt, screw, or otherhardware 218 to a lower link control bracket 214 that may be pivotallyconnected to lower link 207 by using pin 211. Lower link control bracket214 may be a u-shaped piece of steel open at the bottom that fits overthe lower link bar such that a pin 211 may be used to pivotally connectit over the lower link bar 207 through a pinhole provided through thebar for that purpose. Pin 211 connects the bracket 214 to bar 207. Pin216 connects the lower link 207 to the fixed bracket 201.

In this view, upper pin 208 and lower pin 209 are inserted and actuator203 is fully or nearly fully retracted presenting the lower links 207 atthe uppermost angle relative to the pivot point at the lower portion ofbracket 201. Lower links 207 are the sole active (controlled movement)links of the hitch assemblies whereby each link may be driven by anactuator 215. In one application it is possible to fix the lower links207 in the same plane with a cross bar so that a single actuator 215might be employed to lift the lower links in tandem without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. However, using two actuators(one at each side of a three-point hitch assembly) doubles the availabletorque and applies the same equal amount of force to each lower link.With both pins 208 and 209 inserted, actuator 215 may be retracted forlifting force or extended to apply downward force while bracket 202remains in a stable pined orientation (not pivot able) to fixed bracket201.

In this view, lower link 207 is lifted up according to the directionalarrow using the work force (W) enabled by the actuator. In oneembodiment, linear actuator 215 includes a scale apparatus (notillustrated) that can be electronically linked to a computer numericalcontrol (CNC) display accessible to an operator within the cab area ofthe tractor. In this way, the operator may manipulate a pair of linearactuators 215 in tandem, retracting them and extending them equally intandem using a single control means and to within a specified tolerancedimension of extension or retraction wherein the scale reading of theread-out CNC display can be zeroed out for reset by the operator. Inthis way precision elevation of a farm tool implement to within aspecified tolerance is possible.

FIG. 3 is a right-side view of linear actuator operated hitch assembly203 of FIG. 2 in a fully extended position with the top link removed.One familiar with the art will note that a top link is a standard partof a three-point hitch (located top center) and hangs down if notconnected to a farm tool implement. Top links are illustrated in FIG. 1and given description and element numbers later in the specification. Inthis view, linear actuators 215 (pair) are fully extended driving lowerlinks 207 downward about pins 216 against ground according to force (F)downward along the linear track of the actuator. In this operation, bothpins 208 and 209 remain inserted preventing modular actuator connectionbracket 202 from rotating out of position with fixed actuator supportbracket 201. This operation enables an operator to lift the tractorcompletely off of ground according to workforce W wherein the weight ofthe tractor is loaded into the fixed brackets frame and down to thesturdier lower links 207.

Actuators 215 are capable of more force than standard hydraulic liftcylinders and are not limited to exerting force in a single direction.An operator may place pillow blocks between the free ends hostingpinhole 217 of lower links 207 and ground, depicted herein by a lateralline, in a process using the assembly as a jack. In one embodiment, anoperator may pin a pair of shoes or blocks (not illustrated) to the freeends of lower links 207 identified by pin hole 217 to afford a bettermore stable contact footprint for the four contact points made by thelower links against ground.

In one embodiment, an operator may use the front and rear hitches tojack up one end or another end of the tractor for replacing tires, orfor performing other tasks requiring access to the underside of thetractor. Linear actuators 215 may be up to 20 times more efficient thana hydraulic cylinder in lifting the same amount of weight. Ball andscrew linear actuators are precise and are used in high force pressmachines due to a capability of producing very high torques using asmall amount of power and a small electric motor and gear architectureto turn the screw clockwise or counter clockwise to extend or retractthe actuator.

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the linear actuator hitch assembly 203 ofFIG. 2 in a fully retracted position with a lower bracket pin removedfor enabling a float mode in the hitch assembly. In one embodiment, itis desired that a farm tool implement float mode is provided as anoption for enabling a farm tool implement to float over a potentialobstacle that may be encountered in a field being worked by the tractor.

An operator may remove the lower pin 209 (shown on FIG. 3) from itsposition joining bracket 202 to bracket 201 as depicted herein by asolid dark pin opening and indicated by label L-pin removed. Without thelower pin, an operator may continue to exert linear torque to lift lowerlinks 207 and hold them in a fully retracted position wherein thedownward force of gravity acting on the bracketing interface preventsbracket 202 from pivoting out of an orthogonal relationship to fixedbracket 201. In this embodiment, lifting lower links 207 according to Wis identical to the same operation executed with both pins (208 and 209)inserted.

Actuator 215 may also be extended without the lower pin 209 inserted.But if in extension of linear actuators 215, or while they are extendedfor that matter, the connected farm tool implement makes contact with anobstacle like a rock or root sticking up from ground level, the factthat the lower pin is removed for float mode enables modular bracket 202to pivot upward to a maximum pivot range of perhaps 45 degrees about pin208 the specific extent of which may be limited only by architectureconstraints of the tractor above the bracket. In one embodiment of theinvention, a pin puller mechanism connected to a solenoid switch (notillustrated) may be utilized to pull lower pin 209 from the bracketassembly allowing the operator to activate float mode from the cab ofthe tractor by pushing a button. A pin puller mechanism is notillustrated in this example but may be installed via clamp or weld tothe appropriate frame member.

FIG. 5 is a right-side view of the three-point hitch assembly 203utilizing a linear actuator 215 of FIG. 4 in float mode over a fieldobstacle according to an embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the linear actuator 215 is extended and locked (not turning)relative to each actuator. In this view a physical separation of bracket202 from fixed bracket 201 is depicted due to an upward force againstlower links 207 created by obstacle 213 such as a rock or other hardobstacle and the fact that the lower pin (see 209 on FIG. 4) is removedenabling bracket 202 to pivot upward with the force exerted by drivingover obstacle 213. Linear actuator 215 is bidirectional with respect toexerting force to control the elevation and angle of lower links 207. Iflower pin 209 (see FIG. 4) were left in place instead of being removedfor float mode, the force exerted upward against the locked hitchassembly might damage a farm tool implement or the actual hitch assemblycomponents including the actuators.

In actual practice, brackets 201 and 202 are pinned over a tubular framemember of the tractor, to which the fixed bracket 201 is also welded toor otherwise fixedly attached to such as by bolting or clamping. Weldingis typically preferred to avoid shifting or slipping (clamp) orloosening of a bolted installation. This is depicted herein by bracket202 pivoting up and around pin 208 exposing the tube frame surface 219.Float mode is very useful for a farm tool implement that retains groundcontact under gravity of its own weight. Removal of the lower pin 209obfuscates the upward force by absorbing that force in bracketseparation of bracket 202 from fixed bracket 201. The upward range ofpivot is limited only be the architecture of the tractor above thebracket 202 so if there is an open or material relieved structureproviding space above bracket 202, a 45-degree tilt or as much as thepivotal connection at the end of bracket 202 and actuator gearbox 204may allow without damage to any of the hitch components. An operator mayalso retract actuators 215 in float mode until the weight of the farmtool implement attached acts to reverse pivot of bracket 202 so thatlower pin (209) may be reinserted.

FIG. 6 is a front-elevation view of an electrically powered three-pointhitch assembly 600 with the top link 615 depicted according to anembodiment of the invention. Three point hitch assembly 600 is analogousto hitch assemblies 108 or 109 of FIG. 1 whereby a top link depictedherein as a top link 615 may be provided in the form of a steel stockthree-point hitch top link or in the form of a length adjustable stockthree point hitch top link wherein the length adjustment mechanism is aturnbuckle as is discussed later in this specification. In this view,lower link 607R (R=right link) and lower link 607L (L=left link) aredepicted with link pins 618R and 618L for connection to a farm-toolimplement that includes the three connection points of a three-pointhitch, typically two points for the lower links, and one for the centertop link 615.

It is noted herein that the right side of hitch assembly 600 is depictedwith visible hidden lines showing pins and other features otherwise notvisible. Fixed brackets 601R and 601L are spaced apart and welded totractor frame members 619 and 620 presenting horizontally and disposedat different elevations and offset with respect to vertical alignmentwith frame member 620 presenting ahead of or in front of frame member619. Tractor frame members may be steel tubes presenting horizontallyand provide a secure welding location for accepting the verticallyoriented fixed actuator support brackets 601 R (right bracket) and 601L(left bracket). Frame members 619 and 620 may be steel tubular framemembers having an outside diameter (OD) that mates with an inside radiusprovided as material relief cut outs on the fixed actuator supportbrackets 601R and 601L. Brackets 601R and 601L may be welded to framemembers 619 and 620 in substantially vertical orientation.

The center line to center line dimension A defines the distance betweenthe lower links 607R and 607L at the rear portion of the three-pointhitch assembly 600. The lower links may be bent to angle outward for adistance toward the front area of the hitch and then bent straight againto define a center line to center line dimension B as a nominal widthdimension enabling pin attachment of the hitch to a farm tool implement.Actual dimensions are not a matter of limitation however an exemplarydistance for dimension A may be about 15 to 18 inches or so to maintaincontainment within the wheel base width of the tractor and dimension Babout 26 inches apart at the connection points to an attached farm-toolimplement (not shown).

Modular actuator brackets 602R and 602L are fabricated with an overallwidth dimension held just smaller than an inside width dimension held infabrication of fixed actuator support brackets 601R and 601L in order tonest the brackets together and align the pin holes for accepting bracketconnector pins 603R, 603L, 604R, and 604L analogous to upper pins 208(two each) and lower pins 209 (two each) of FIG. 2. The narrow ends ofmodular actuator connection brackets 602R and 602L are pivotallyconnected to linear actuator assemblies 606R and 606L using pins 605R(visible broken lines extending through the hole) and 605L (notdepicting broken lines). It is noted herein that aside from bracketalignment pin holes, there may be an additional pin hole or pin holesplaced through fixed brackets or modular brackets that function as astorage location for a pin removed to enable float mode and or forstoring one or more spare pins.

Linear actuator 606R is pivotally connected at substantial center lineof the vertical linear track and an actuator track housing 610R of theactuator in concentric fashion. Track housing 610R is analogous to trackhousing 205 of FIG. 2. Wiring (not depicted) may be run through one ormore electric harnesses to between the connected battery or batteriesand a user control panel to each actuator motor 621R and 621L. A gearset, including a base drive gear on the turn screw of the actuator isprovided within gear boxes 609R and 609L. The actuator gear set in gearbox 609R or 609L may include gears for achieving more than one torquepower that may be selectable to engage and disengage within the box.Motor 621R or 621L may include a reverse drive and a forward driveselection for retraction and extension and a stop position enforceablefrom the control panel using a joystick or other interface means such asswitches, a slider, a button set, or the like.

The lower ends of actuator shafts 611R and 611L are pinned to orotherwise connected to lower link control brackets 612R and 612Lanalogous to control brackets 314 of FIG. 2. In turn, lower liftbrackets 612R and 612L are pivotally pinned to respective lower links607R and 607L via pins 613R and 613L analogous to pins 211 of FIG. 2. Asthe lower links are raised or lowered in tandem, they pivot about thepins connecting them to fixed brackets 601R and 601L and pivot about thepins connecting them to the linear actuators 606R and 606L. The lowerlink pins connecting the rear ends of lower links 607R and 607L to thelower link receiver portions of fixed actuator support brackets 601R and6010L are not visible in this view.

Top link 615 is, in this embodiment, pivotally connected to a top linkbracket 614 by a pin 616. Bracket 614 may be welded to frame member 619at a point along frame member 619 that is substantially centered betweenthe actuator bracket assemblies. Top link 615 may hang down in centerwhen not connected (pinned) to a mounting point on a fixed center mastof a farm tool implement by pin 617. As shown in FIG. 6, the top link615 is hanging vertically downward because it is disconnected from afarm tool implement. In one embodiment, top link 615 is manuallyadjustable in length by an operator and in one embodiment the lengthadjustment mechanism is a turnbuckle device for setting correct distanceand making small adjustments.

In one embodiment, top link 615 may be an electrically powered linearactuator of a same or smaller power rating than the actuatorscontrolling the lower links. In this embodiment, the actuator may besemi-automatically adjustable in length to maintain a desired connectionlength with the center mast of a farm tool implement where a lengthadjustment may be made by a control interface or panel controller suchas a switch, joystick, slider or a button set. In one exemplary use casescenario, a farm tool implement for the tractor may consist of a scoopbucket for the front of the tractor that may be raised or lowered in alevel position and wherein the center top link actuator may be operatedto change the angle presentation of the bucket such as to rotate thebucket about the pins at the lower sides of the bucket using the topcenter actuator extending or retracting the actuator to change angle ofpresentation as desired.

The top link actuator in the above alternative embodiment replacingstock top link 615 may control sit or idle position, scoop position,pick up load angle, and dump load angle. In other words, in thisembodiment, top link 615 is itself a linear actuator in which case therewould be three linear actuators in the assembly. In one variation ofthis embodiment, the linear actuator functioning as a top link mayinclude an electronic linear scale reader connected to a numericaldigital read out display within the cab of the tractor and visible tothe operator. In this way, the operator quickly and accurately set toplink bucket angle presentations and record those values in memoryprovided in a computer-aided control panel interface (if equipped) inassociation with each work mode rest, scoop, pick up load, and dumpload.

FIG. 7 is an overhead view of an electrically powered three-point hitchassembly 700 with the top link depicted according to an embodiment ofthe invention. In this view hidden lines are depicted on the left sidebut not on the right side to allow a clean view of the apparatus withoutthe hidden elements. Three-point hitch assembly 700 is analogous tothree-point hitch assembly 600 with the exception that top link 615 ofFIG. 6 is replaced with a top link 715 having a turnbuckle 720 forenabling manual length adjustments to the overall length of the toplink. Lower links 707R (R=right) and 707L (L=left) are pinned to lowerreceiver portions of fixed brackets using steel pins 722R and 722L.Broken lines showing pin 722L extending through the hole are shown andsuch lines are omitted for 722R. It may be noted herein that the lowerreceiver portion of a fixed actuator support bracket may have more thanone pin hole provided for the purpose of pinning a lower link to thebracket. A pair of fixed actuator support brackets may host the twolower links belonging to a front hitch assembly while simultaneouslyhosting the two lower links belonging to a middle hitch assembly. Suchan arrangement is detailed later in this specification with reference toFIG. 10.

In this view the left side of the hitch assembly 700 includes hiddenlines to show hidden features or elements while the right side ofthree-point hitch 700 does not include the hidden lines for cleanpresentation purposes. Linear actuators 706L and 706R are pinned to theunderside of mobile actuator brackets 701R and 701L using pins 705R and705L. Lift brackets 712R (not depicted) and 712L are pinned at the lowerend of actuator shafts 711R (not depicted) and 711L using steel pins713R and 713L. In this example, each feature associated with thevertical track of the linear actuators has a concentric relationshipwith the vertical center line down to pins 713 R and 713 L (both lowerlink control points).

In the event that three-point hitch assembly 700 is a front hitchassembly, then there may be other fixed brackets and link receiverswelded to horizontal frame elements 719 and 720 for supporting themiddle three-point hitch assembly, which is a modified version of thefront or rear three-point hitch assemblies. Middle hitch modificationsare primarily in the offered length of the lower links, which may beshorter in length that the lower links of a front or rear three-pointhitch assembly and in the fixed actuator support brackets for supportingthe triangular shaped modular actuator brackets that connect to thelinear actuators. Hitch assembly 700 is adapted to connect to a widevariety of farm tool implements having the traditional three-points forconnection, for example, two lower points at the sides of the implementand one top center point on the fixed mast of the implement bar.

FIG. 8 is a left-side elevation view of a tractor 800 lifted off ofground utilizing the linear actuator hitch assemblies at front and atrear of the tractor. Tractor 800 may be an all-electric tractor that maybe completely assembled from a kit of tractor components including arear frame section 801 and a front frame section 802. In this view themiddle hitch is not depicted however the modular actuator and lower linkreceiver portion for receiving the middle hitch lower links areillustrated. A tractor operator is also not depicted in this view butmay be assumed present.

Tractor 800 includes a front three-point hitch assembly 809 and a rearthree point hitch assembly 808. A battery box 810 may be provided as themain on board battery and may be disposed under the seating apparatus inthe tractor cab. An all-electric tractor engine is not illustrated butmay be assumed present. In this example, an operator may utilize control811 or another provided electronic interface having control overactuator operation to lift tractor 800 off of ground 803 by extendingboth front and rear actuators (total four) driving the front and rearlower links downward to ground. In this embodiment, the front and rearhitch assemblies 809 and 808 are connected to horizontal tool barshaving fixed center masts for top link pinning.

In one embodiment, lower links of the hitch assemblies may be protectedfrom the ground by pillow blocks or other supports 804 and 805. Suchsupports may extend in length along the horizontal tool bars pinned tothe lower links of each hitch assembly or may be provided at fourcorners of the footprint. In this embodiment, tractor 800 is jacked(i.e. lifted or elevated) up and off of ground 803 to a height dimensionC representing space between mounted tire and ground. Both fixedactuator pins must be inserted in a tractor jack (lift) operation wherethe tractor is jacked up completely off of the ground.

In one embodiment, an operator may use control 811 to jack up only thefront end of tractor 800 by extending actuators in hitch assembly 809,or only the rear end of tractor 800 by extending actuators in hitchassembly 808. Tires 807 (rear) and 806 (front) are referenced herein byhidden line. The actual height that tractor 800 may be elevated off ofground depends on the length capacity of the actuators at fullextension. Full extension of the actuators provides maximum height offof the ground.

This feature operable from within the cab of tractor 800 reducesrequirements for separate lifting or jack facilities that mightotherwise have to be ported with the tractor. Another advantage is anability to change tires and perform other maintenance tasks requiringthe tractor to be lifted off the ground without having to transport thetractor by other vehicle to a maintenance yard or shed or without havingto drive the tractor in a state of disrepair to a location wheremaintenance might be performed. In one use case scenario, an operatormay utilize both the front and rear hitch assemblies to get the tractorout of a rut or a ditch or unstuck from mud by lifting the tractor upand placing a better medium or false road way to lower the tractor backdown on.

FIG. 9A is a right-side view of a modular actuator bracket 900 of one ofthe linear actuator hitch assemblies of FIG. 1 and further depictsbracket 202 shown in FIGS. 2-4 FIG. 9B is an underside view of modularactuator bracket 900 of FIG. 9A. Referring now to FIG. 9A, Modularactuator bracket 900 may be fabricated of steel one quarter inch platesand a steel spacer bar to hold the plates apart parallel and in truealignment. Bracket 900 includes a first actuator bracket plate 902 a anda second actuator bracket plate 902 b (not visible). Bracket plates 902a and 902 b are spaced apart by a formed spacer bar 901. Actuator plates902 a and 902 b are triangular in profile and include three pin holes.Pin holes 903 placed through both actuator plates each receive a steelpin or bolt that connects the base end of the triangular bracket to afixed actuator support bracket welded to horizontal frame members. Thetop pin hole 903 defines the space where the upper pin 208 is shown inFIG. 2. The bottom pin hole 903 defines the space where the lower pin209 is shown in FIG. 2. Actuator bracket 900 is a modular bracket thatmay be unpinned from the fixed actuator support bracket.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, actuator bracket 900 as viewed herein from theunderside, depicts both plates 902 a and 902 b held parallel and in truefeature alignment relative to pin hole alignment, radius alignment, andedge alignment. Referring now back to FIG. 9A, the overall length ofactuator bracket 900 may vary according to application; however anominal size may be ten to twelve inches long. Width of actuator bracket900 may nominally be about four inches at the widest point.

Actuator bracket plates 902 a and 902 b have a material relief radiusfeature 905 having a radius R, wherein the center point of R lies on avertical center line shared by pin hole features 903 disposed midwaybetween pin holes. R may be approximately 35 millimeters or just over aninch radius. A reference frame member 907 may be approximately twoinches in diameter. Pin hole 903 may be approximately 14 millimeters indiameter. Material relief feature 905 is bounded by radial platefeatures generally concentric with the pinhole features 903. Radius Rbeginning at center of pin hole feature 903 to the edge of the radialfeature may nominally be about 25 millimeters or just over three-quarterinch. Material relief and radial shaping of the plate ends of actuatorbracket 900 enables nesting the modular bracket to the fixed actuatorsupport bracket welded to the horizontal frame member referenced hereinby frame member 907 and then pinning modular bracket 900 in place.

Actuator plates 902 a and 902 b have a bottom edge that angles 32degrees (represented by angle D) or there about from horizontal. Thebracket end opposite of pin hole features 903 include pin hole feature904 enabling the small end of the bracket to be pinned to a linearactuator as depicted further above with respect to FIG. 2-5 (element210) and FIG. 7 (705R and 705L). Radius R at the small end of thebracket may be approximately 13 mm or just over three eights of an inch.This radius cut out and the angled bottom edge provide material relieffor use in a float mode operation where actuator bracket 900 may beseparated from the fixed actuator support bracket (element 201 on FIGS.2-5) by removing the lower pin (element 209 on FIGS. 2-5).

In one embodiment, spacer plate 901 is formed to provide support at thelinear actuator connection end at the top and then angled down generallyaway from the top edge of bracket 900 before bending downward andterminating just inside the large radius feature 905. The actuatorplates and spacer bar of bracket 900 may be assembled in a jig fixtureand welded to form bracket 900.

FIG. 10A is a left-side view of a fixed actuator support bracket 1000for the front and middle three-point hitch assemblies according to anembodiment of the invention. FIG. 10B is a rear end view of fixedactuator support bracket 1000 of FIG. 10A. Referring now to FIG. 10A,fixed actuator support bracket 1000 comprises a pair of fixed actuatorplates 1002 b and 1002 a (not visible) that are spaced apart and heldsubstantially parallel and in true alignment with respect to cutfeatures and pin holes by a spacer bar 1001.

In this example, fixed actuator support bracket 1000 has one or morefeatures that are not specifically illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5referring to fixed actuator support bracket 201. For example, the largeradii cutout features enable tube frame installation and an extra pinhole at the bottom of the bracket enables mid hitch lower linkconnection. Such features are described in more detail below. Bracket1000 is an elongate bracket oriented vertically and welded in pairs tohorizontal and, in this case, tubular frame members referenced herein asan upper and lower frame member given the same element number 1007.

In this view, fixed actuator support bracket 1000 is viewed from theleft side of a tractor in correct vertical orientation and the forwardside of the frame members 1007 to which the bracket is welded orotherwise affixed to face the front of the tractor and the front hitchassembly. Referring now to FIG. 10B, bracket plates 1002 a and 1002 bmay be three eights inch steel plates held apart in parallel formationand in true feature alignment by spacer bar 1001. Spacer bars used toseparate the bracket plates and reinforce the bracket may be one eightsof an inch in plate thickness or more.

Referring now back to FIG. 10A, the overall length of fixed actuatorsupport bracket 1000 may nominally be around 26 inches long to 28 incheslong or so. Support bracket 1000 includes an upper end or portionincluding a pin interface arrangement that matches that of modularactuator connection bracket 900. Included are pin holes 1003 that alignwith pin holes 903 on modular bracket 900. The forward edge of supportbracket 1000 lending to the upper portion of the bracket is angled toapproximately 24 degrees from vertical representing the angle of offsetbetween the upper and lower tubular frame members 1007 supporting thebracket. Support bracket 1000 includes a third 14 millimeter pin hole1004 in the upper section through both plates 1002 b and 1002 a. Pinhole 1004 may be for storing a spare steel pin or to store a lower pinremoved from the nested assembly including both brackets.

Radiused cut out 1005 matches the counterpart radius cut out 905 onbracket 900 just over 1 inch radius R. Bracket 1000 includes a middlesection generally defined at an apex of edge presenting angle E(approximately 24 degrees from vertical) and an edge presenting angle F(approximately 22 degrees from vertical) leading down to a lower bracketsection. The bracket plates share a cut out feature having the sameradius R as feature 1005 for clearance to weld support bracket 1000 tothe lower tubular frame member 1007. The lower end or portion of supportbracket 1000 includes two 23 mm diameter pin holes 1008. The forward pinhole 1008 is reserved for receiving the rear end of a lower link of thefront three-point hitch assembly.

The rearward pin hole 1008 is reserved for receiving the rear end of alower link of the middle three-point hitch assembly. In this example,spacer bar 1001 may be a steel bar one eight or more thickness that mayreinforce bracket 1000 from the upper portion adjacent to radius 1005angling downward generally parallel to the forward edge 1010 presentingat angle E but well within the interior of the bracket to the lowermatching radius R (at lower member weld location), and then downwardtoward the lower portion generally parallel to the lower forward edge1011 presenting angle F and terminating just above and behind theforward most of the lower link receiver pin holes 1008. A rearwardvertical edge 1012 of bracket 1000 extends upward from the lowerreceiver portion of the bracket to a mid-upper region where the bracketnarrows in width as depicted herein by directional arrow 1013. Thewidest point of support bracket 1000 is nominally between seven andeight inches in width measured from the rearward vertical edge 1012 toeither leading point at the vertices of angles E and F at the middlesection hosting the lower frame member welding location.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, spacer bar 1101 separates plates 1102 a and1102 b to create a gap or inside to inside dimension just large enoughto accept the modular actuator for pining, the modular actuator beingsmaller in overall width for nesting purposes. Referring now back toFIG. 11A, fixed actuator support bracket 1100 is vertically oriented andwelded to the upper and lower tubular support members 1107. Fixedsupport bracket 1100 is nominally about 16 inches in length and includesa lower end that includes a radius material relief cut-out R ofapproximately an inch for matching radius of lower tubular frame member1107.

Fixed support bracket 1100 for the middle three-point hitch assemblydoes not require lower link receivers as they are hosted on the fixedactuator support brackets supporting the front hitch assembly. It iswelded to lower frame member 1107 and is angled (G) at generally astraight width before widening to form the upper section that interfaceswith the modular actuator connection bracket. It is noted herein thatthe modular actuator connection bracket may be of the same architectureand design including feature dimension so as to be interchangeable foruse with the front three-point hitch assembly, the rear three-pointhitch assembly, or the middle three-point hitch assembly.

In this example, spacer bar 1101 begins at the lower radiused end andangles toward the upper section where the bracket widens, then anglesforward generally along the radiused forward edge of the bracket beforeangling vertically upward to terminate adjacent to the upper materialrelief cut out midway between pin holes 1103. A pin hole 1104 maybe aspare pin hole or general pin storage hole. Like bracket 1000 of 10A,the upper pin interface of bracket 1100 includes radiused endsconcentric around upper and lower pin holes 1103 of the fixed supportbracket 1100 with R of just more than three quarter of an inch (25 mm orso).

In case of fixed brackets having spacer bars 1001 (bracket 1000, FIG.10A) and 1101 (bracket 1101, FIG. 11A), the spacer bars may make contactat the steel tubular frame members to provide lateral weld surfaces inaddition to the radiused plate edges taking vertical welds. There may betwo vertical welds and a cross weld at each weld location. Theapproximate angle G of presentation of the lower portion of bracket 1101is nominally 11 degrees from vertical. It is noted herein that materialrelief features such as radius cuts and angle cuts are provided bydesign in both the fixed support brackets and in the modular connectionbrackets described herein to mitigate function of the bracketconnections relative to pivoting, nesting, and articulating withoutbinding or becoming an obstacle to a moving part of a hitch assembly orother tractor parts such as tires, drive train, steering rods, and soon. Middle hitch components such as the lower links may be modified withcross bar to enable lifting and lowering using one linear actuatorinstead of two as at the front and rear assemblies. However, it may benoted that a middle hitch may be provided having two linear actuatorslike the front and rear hitch assemblies requiring two actuator bracketconnections that may be spaced within the confines of the front actuatorbracket connections relative to the upper and lower frame members theyare mounted to.

One with skill in the art of three-point hitch architecture willappreciate that dedicating a fixed actuator bracket to service bothfront and middle hitch links and offsetting middle hitch fixed actuatorbrackets with respect to weld locations on a same set of frame membersprovides for a slightly more compact middle hitch assembly that may beoperated within a footprint that does not obstruct tractor functionssuch as steering or the like.

FIG. 12A is a left-side view of a fixed middle hitch actuator supportbracket 1200 modified to include top link receiver openings for the toplink of the front hitch and the top link of the mid hitch according toan embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12B is a front-end view of fixedmiddle hitch actuator support bracket of FIG. 12A. Referring now to FIG.12A, a middle hitch actuator support bracket 1200 is provided that isdedicated to servicing both the front three-point hitch assembly and themiddle three-point hitch assembly relative to top link receiver pinholes 1206.

Fixed support bracket 1200 comprises two bracket plates 1202 a and 1202Bof approximately one quarter of an inch-thick steel plate held apart inparallel and in true alignment relative to pinhole and radius featuresby a spacer bar 1201 of one eight of an inch or more steel plate. Fixedactuator support bracket 1200 includes a lower portion having a radiusedmaterial relief cut out for weld clearance at the lower frame memberreferenced herein as the lower member of upper and lower frame members1205.

Spacer bar 1201 begins at the lower rear side of fixed actuator supportbracket 1200 and may come in lateral contact with the tubular framemember 1205 having a radius just over one inch for welding to a two-inchdiameter tube. Support bracket 1200 is widest at the lower endapproximately seven inches or so in width. The lower section of supportbracket 1200 is triangular with a rear edge sloping forward at angle Happroximately 45 degrees from vertical. The forward edge (direction ofmid hitch assembly and actuator) of the lower end of support bracket1200 is largely vertical. The lower section gives way to a triangularmiddle section of support bracket 1200 wherein pin holes 1206 areprovided through plates 1202 a and 1202 b.

Spacer bar 1201 begins at the lower rearward corner of support bracket1200 and angles forward until between top link pin holes 1206 beforeangling back toward the middle of the upper bracket interfacing portionterminating adjacent to the upper tubular frame member 1205.

Pin holes 1206 are adapted for receiving the top link of the front hitchassembly at the rearward pin hole 1206 and the top link of the middlehitch assembly at the forward pin hole 1206. Pin holes 1206 maynominally be approximately 20 millimeters in diameter or between onehalf inch and three-quarter inch in diameter. Referring now to FIG. 12B,bracket plates 1202 a and 1202 b are held apart parallel to form a gapor inside-to inside dimension between plates that is just wider than theoutside-to outside width of the modular actuator for nesting purposes.

Referring now back to FIG. 12A, the middle section or portion hostingpin holes 1206 includes a front bracket edge that presents a back angleI that may be 23 degrees from vertical. A rear edge of the middlesection of support bracket 1200 above pin holes 1206 rises vertically tothe beginning of the upper section or top interfacing end of the brackethosting pin holes 1203 and a spare pin hole 1204 that might be providedto store a spare pin. The top or upper section includes the upperwelding location 1205 just over a one-inch radius facilitating weld overa two-inch diameter tubular frame member.

In this example, the fixed actuator support brackets such as brackets1000 for the front hitch assembly and the fixed actuator support bracketsuch as bracket 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B (no top link support) orbracket 1200 (with top link support) are oriented to face opposite oneanother welded to the same lateral frame members. The lower links forboth middle and front hitch assemblies may be pinned to fixed actuatorsupport bracket 1100 (See FIGS. 11A and 11B) while the top links forboth middle and front hitch assemblies may be pinned to fixed actuatorsupport bracket 1200. In another embodiment, a top link bracket can beprovided adjacent on the weld frame to an actuator bracket such asbracket 1100 having no top link receiver holes.

It is noted herein that the rear hitch assembly may be a mirror image ofthe front hitch assembly having all of the same components. In oneembodiment, a rear hitch may be mounted at a different elevation on thetractor than the front hitch and middle hitch without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a left-side elevation view of a linear actuator rear-hitchassembly 1300 with a leveling top link for maintaining a state of levelwith respect to a connected tooled agricultural work implement accordingto an embodiment of the invention. Rear hitch assembly 1300 is athree-point hitch assembly that like the front and mid-hitch assembliesis powered by a pair of all-electric linear actuators 1305 that have thecapability of exerting force bidirectionally along the linear track toraise and to lower a pair of lower links 1311 connected at one end to afixed actuator support bracket 1303 and at the other end to a farm toolimplement 1307. In this view, there are two positions taken by the rearthree-point hitch assembly 1300. One position is a middle lift positionwhere farm-tool implement 1307 is lifted off of ground. Element numbersare provided to the elements of this position. The second position inthis view is depicted in lighter solid lines and shows the same assembly1300 lowered to ground level. The components illustrated in lighterpoint line shall be assumed to have the same element numbers attributedin the first view using heavier point lines.

Fixed actuator support bracket 1303 may be used for either a rear hitchassembly or a front hitch assembly without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. For example, bracket 1303 includes a lowerreceiver for accepting a lower link from a middle hitch assembly. In oneembodiment, the lower end of bracket 1303 only contains one receiveropening for receiving the lower link end of the lower links 1311 ofwhich two are provided. Linear actuators 1305 are pivotally pined toeach lower link 1311 at the end of the extension/retraction shaft of theactuator with the help of a link control bracket adapted to accept asteel pin through the bracket plates and the lower links.

The forward ends of lower links 1311 are pivotally connected to a farmtool implement 1307 at a cross bar member (not visible) supporting avertically-extending center mast 1308 having at least one structuralsupport bar 1309 welded to the mast and to the implement mounting bar1310. In this case, farm-tool implement 1307 includes a number ofcultivator tines or spades 1312 welded along the implement tool bar andadapted for making contact with and working the ground.

Fixed actuator support bracket 1303 is oriented vertically and welded tohorizontal frame members depicted as tubular members in this example.Fixed actuator bracket is nested to a modular actuator connectionbracket 1302 and pinned thereto using pins 1304. Actuator connectionbracket 1302 has a pivotal connection at the base end of the linearactuator 1305. There are two fixed actuator support brackets, twomodular actuator connection brackets and two linear actuators forlifting and lowering links 1311.

A top link bracket (not depicted) may be provided and welded to thehorizontal frame members supporting the fixed actuator support bracketat a location at or near center of the three-dimensional architecture ofthe hitch, more particularly at a spot on the frame members between thefixed actuator support brackets of which there are two. Top link 1306 ispivotally connected at the opposite end to the top end of vertical mast1308 that is also located more toward the center of the implement crossbar (not depicted). Therefore, the lower two pivotal mounting points areat the ends of the cross bar and the third point is the top of the fixedmast and is also a pivotal connection.

Leveling farm tool implement 1307 may first be accomplished at groundlevel after lower links 1311 are connected. Top link 1306 is lengthadjustable using a turnbuckle device to lengthen or shorten the link. Inthis example, top link may be adjusted in length to attach the link tocenter mast 1308 while the farm tool implement is in a level state onthe ground. This may be due to the blade or tine implements beingoriented correctly and angled correctly in some embodiments to which thepresentation may be considered level.

Once the top link 1306 is adjusted to correct length and is connected tothe vertical center mast 1308 of the farm tool implement 1307, the farmtool implement will remain level while it is lifted and while it islowered back down to ground level. In this embodiment, a second groundlevel positioning is depicted in which implement bar 1307 is restingwith the blades or tines touching ground and the position is consideredlevel by the operator or in other words, at a desired angle ofpresentation to the ground which might vary depending upon the nature ofan implement.

In this case, level is considered the position where all blades aretouching the ground. When the operator lifts the implement bar from theground, the correct length adjustment made to top link 1306 and itsmounting location on mast 1308 keeps the top link parallel to the lowerlinks such that when the hitch articulates a parallelogram is maintainedin motion relative to lower links 1311 and top link 1306. The rearmounting point of the top link may share the same vertical center planeas the rear mounting points of the lower links and length adjustment maybe made to the top link by turning the turnbuckle clockwise or counterclockwise. As long as this adjustment is made when the top link isattached to the center mast while the farm tool implement is level, thefarm tool implement will stay in a level state as it is lifted and as itis again lowered.

An operator may make purposeful adjustments to the length of the toplink to effect different angles of presentation for an implement workingthe ground wherein the set angle of presentation does not change whenlifting or lowering the implement. In a further embodiment, the lengthadjustments of the top link 1306 may be made remotely if the top link isreplaced by a linear actuator having a scale device for measuring travelalong the linear track. For example, a user may pin a farm toolimplement to the lower links where the implement is level on the groundand then may connect the top link using a manual length adjustment ifthe link is out of proper length (too short or too long) and cannot bepinned.

Once pinned, the top link must remain parallel in relationship to thelower links in order to maintain the same ground level presentation orto maintain the desired presentation angle of the farm tool implementrelative to ground level when the hitch is lifting the farm toolimplement and lowering the farm tool implement. In one embodiment, anoperator may make a series of length adjustment to top link 1306 whilethe farm tool implement is connected in order to purposely change theangle of presentation of the tool and to change it back again. Forexample, a tool designed to cut a row behind a tractor may be designedto break the ground best at a specific angle and may be pulled at thatangle to cut a specific depth of a planting row for example according tothe set angle of presentation accomplished first when the tool wasconnected at ground level. That same tool leveled may not break ground.After a first pass at a first angle of presentation, the operator maywant to make a second pass with the angle of presentation increased ordecreased to change the depth of the row being dug. The operator may usea control lever, slider, or button set to make an adjustment to the toplink actuator in order to pull (shorten top link length) the center mastout of perpendicular increasing angle of blade points to ground, or topush the center mast out of perpendicular away (lengthen top link) todecrease the angle of presentation of blade points to ground.

In one embodiment, settings for achieving proper angles of presentationfor specified farm-tool implements connected to the hitch links may beentered onto a memory card that may be read at a hitch control panel. Anautomated routine adapted to make adjustment to the length of the toplink can be executed by the operator to automatically read and thenexecute the proper length of the top link required to set the desiredpitch angle for the implement. This requires knowledge of the dimensionsof the farm tool implement and the resting angle of the implement whenit is on ground. After first lift the routine may be executed once topivot the farm tool implement to the desired angle (typically offhorizontal base line).

In one embodiment, the tractor may use any of the hitch assemblies toconnect to and lift a battery box implement such as battery boxes 113a-c of FIG. 1 for example. A hitched battery that requires charge may belowered onto a roller platform and may be unpinned to the box andelectrical connections to that battery may be unplugged. The depletedbattery may then be transported to a charge station and a fresh batterymay be rolled up to the hitch. An operator may then connect the pins tothe three-point locations on the battery box, plug in the harnessedplugs or connectors, and then hoist the battery to perhaps middle level,and carry it while it is being used to power other tractor functions.The unique aspect of the linear actuators exerting force downward aswell as upward enables a wider variety of implements to be used by athree-point hitch powered by at least one bidirectional linear actuator.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the arrangement ofelements and functionality for the invention is described in differentembodiments in which each is exemplary of an implementation of theinvention. These exemplary descriptions do not preclude otherimplementations and use cases not described in detail. The elements andfunctions may vary, as there are a variety of ways the hardware may beimplemented and in which the software may be provided within the scopeof the invention. The invention is limited only by the breadth of theclaims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hitch assembly system, comprising: a pair offixed actuator support brackets that are mounted to a vehicle frame; apair of modular actuator connection brackets, each modular actuatorconnection bracket of the pair of modular actuator connection bracketsbeing connected to a corresponding fixed actuator support bracket of thepair of fixed actuator support brackets by one or more pins or bolts; apair of lower links, each lower link of the pair of lower links beingpivotally connected to the corresponding fixed actuator support bracketof the pair of fixed actuator support brackets; and a pair of electriclinear actuators, each electric liner actuator of the pair of electriclinear actuators being pivotally connected to a corresponding bracketend of a corresponding modular actuator connection bracket of the pairof modular actuator connection brackets and a corresponding lower linkof the pair of lower links, wherein the each lower link is moved byextension or retraction of a corresponding connected electric linearactuator to pivot with respect to a corresponding connected fixedactuator support bracket.
 2. The hitch assembly system of claim 1,further comprising a top link that is pivotally connected to a top linkbracket mounted on the vehicle frame or to the corresponding fixedactuator support bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets.3. The hitch assembly system of claim 2, further comprising: anadditional pair of lower links that are positioned back-to-back to thepair of lower links, each additional lower link of the additional pairof lower links being pivotally connected to the corresponding fixedactuator support bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets;and an additional pair of electric linear actuators, each additionalelectric linear actuator of the additional pair of electric linearactuators being pivotally connected to an additional correspondingbracket end of the corresponding modular actuator connection bracket ofthe pair of modular actuator connection brackets and a correspondingadditional lower link of the additional pair of lower links, wherein theeach additional lower link is moved by extension or retraction of acorresponding connected additional electric linear actuator to pivotwith respect to the corresponding connected fixed actuator supportbracket.
 4. The hitch assembly system of claim 3, further comprising anadditional top link, the additional top link being pivotally connectedto a top link bracket mounted on the vehicle frame or to thecorresponding fixed actuator support bracket of the pair of fixedactuator support brackets.
 5. The hitch assembly system of claim 4,wherein the pair of lower links, the pair of electric linear actuators,and the top link are part of a first hitch assembly, and wherein theadditional pair of lower links, the additional pair of electric linearactuators, and the additional top link are part of a second hitchassembly.
 6. The hitch assembly system of claim 5, wherein the firsthitch assembly is positioned at a front end of the vehicle frame and thesecond hitch assembly is positioned at a mid-section of the vehicleframe.
 7. The hitch assembly system of claim 2, further comprising: anadditional pair of lower links that are positioned back-to-back to thepair of lower links, each additional lower link of the additional pairof lower links being pivotally connected to the corresponding fixedactuator support bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support bracketsa cross bar that connects a first lower link of the additional pair oflower links to a second lower link of the additional pair of lowerlinks; an additional modular actuator connection bracket connected to afixed actuator support bracket that is attached to the vehicle frame;and an additional electric linear actuator including a first actuatorend that is connected to the additional modular actuator connectionbracket and a second actuator end that is connected to the cross bar,wherein the pair of additional lower links are moved by extension orretraction of the additional electric linear actuator to pivot withrespect to the pair of fixed actuator support bracket.
 8. The hitchassembly system of claim 7, wherein the cross bar includes a ball socketend for attaching a tool to the cross bar.
 9. The hitch assembly systemof claim 7, wherein the additional modular actuator connection bracketis disposed between the pair of fixed actuator support brackets andattached to one or more frame members of the vehicle frame.
 10. Thehitch assembly system of claim 7, further comprising an additional pairof top links, each additional top link of the additional pair of toplinks being pivotally connected to the corresponding fixed actuatorsupport bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets.
 11. Thehitch assembly system of claim 10, wherein the pair of lower links, thepair of electric linear actuators, and the top link are part of a firsthitch assembly, and wherein the additional pair of lower links, theadditional electric linear actuator, and the additional pair of toplinks are part of a second hitch assembly.
 12. The hitch assembly systemof claim 11, wherein the first hitch assembly is positioned at a frontend of the vehicle frame and the second hitch assembly is positioned ata mid-section of the vehicle frame.
 13. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicleframe; a drive train mounted to the vehicle frame; and a hitch assemblysystem mounted to the vehicle frame, the hitch assembly systemcomprising: a pair of fixed actuator support brackets that are mountedto the vehicle frame; a pair of modular actuator connection brackets,each modular actuator connection bracket of the pair of modular actuatorconnection brackets being connected to a corresponding fixed actuatorsupport bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets by one ormore pins or bolts; a pair of lower links, each lower link of the pairof lower links being pivotally connected to the corresponding fixedactuator support bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets;and a pair of electric linear actuators, each electric liner actuator ofthe pair of electric linear actuators being pivotally connected to acorresponding bracket end of a corresponding modular actuator connectionbracket of the pair of modular actuator connection brackets and acorresponding lower link of the pair of lower links, wherein the eachlower link is moved by extension or retraction of a correspondingconnected electric linear actuator to pivot with respect to acorresponding connected fixed actuator support bracket.
 14. The vehicleof claim 13, wherein the hitch assembly system further comprises a toplink, the top link being pivotally connected to a top link bracketmounted on the vehicle frame or to the corresponding fixed actuatorsupport bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets.
 15. Thevehicle of claim 14, wherein the hitch assembly system furthercomprises: an additional pair of lower links that are positionedback-to-back to the pair of lower links, each additional lower link ofthe additional pair of lower links being pivotally connected to thecorresponding fixed actuator support bracket of the pair of fixedactuator support brackets; and an additional pair of electric linearactuators, each additional electric linear actuator of the additionalpair of electric linear actuators being pivotally connected to anadditional corresponding bracket end of the corresponding modularactuator connection bracket of the pair of modular actuator connectionbrackets and a corresponding additional lower link of the additionalpair of lower links, wherein the each additional lower link is moved byextension or retraction of a corresponding connected additional electriclinear actuator to pivot with respect to the corresponding connectedfixed actuator support bracket.
 16. The vehicle of claim 15, where thehitch assembly system further comprises an additional top link, theadditional top link being pivotally connected to a top link bracketmounted on the vehicle frame or to the corresponding fixed actuatorsupport bracket of the pair of fixed actuator support brackets.
 17. Thevehicle of claim 16, wherein the pair of lower links, the pair ofelectric linear actuators, and the top link are part of a first hitchassembly of the hitch assembly system, and wherein the additional pairof lower links, the additional pair of electric linear actuators, andthe additional top link are part of a second hitch assembly of the hitchassembly system.
 18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the first hitchassembly is positioned at a front end of the vehicle frame and thesecond hitch assembly is positioned at a mid-section of the vehicleframe.
 19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the drive train includes atleast one electric motor, further comprising at least one of a firstbattery that is attached to the pair of lower links and the top link ofthe first hitch assembly or a second battery that is attached to theadditional pair of lower links and the additional top link of the secondhitch assembly, the first battery and the second battery providingelectric power to the at least one electric motor of the drive train.20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the first battery attached to thefirst hitch assembly counterbalances the second battery attached to thesecond hitch assembly.